Series Preview: Cubs at Indians (4/24-4/25) — Game Times, Pitching Matchups, and More

The Cubs play the Indians at Progressive Field today in Cleveland in a quick two-game series before returning home for 7 games. The last time the Cubs played a game on that field against the Indians, something pretty significant took place. The Cubs WON THE WORLD SERIES!

Francisco Lindor (CLE): Remember that dude? Francisco Lindor who was tearing it up in the World Series for Cleveland before they lost in Game 7 to the Cubs after blowing a 3-1 series lead. Lindor’s production last season fell off slightly, and then this season, Lindor’s production has fallen drastically. He’s batting just .224 with 19 hits in 85 at-bats. Lindor is striking out more and just doesn’t look like himself. However, it would not be surprising to see him turn it on for just these two games against the Cubs who crushed their World Series hopes two years before.

Kyle Schwarber (CHC): The Cubs will have a designated hitter for this series because it’s played in an American League ballpark. Kyle Schwarber is expected to DH for the Cubs, that allows Ian Happ to return to the lineup near the bottom of the order and Albert Almora still leading off. Schwarber has looked magnificent this season in a large part due to his offseason weight loss. He’s already batting .293 with 4 homers and 14 RBI.

The Conclusion

Regardless what happens in this quick two-game set, this should be a fun series to watch, The Cubs versus Indians rematch of the 2016 World Series. They have played in Spring Training already, but not in a series that counts. This is the first game in Cleveland since the Cubs won the iconic Game 7 there. Expect big things from both sides.